Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1887-02-04

The first Governor of the Northwest Territory
was General Arthur st. Clair He was born in
Scotland in 1874, joined the British Army and
vas sent TO America TO fight in the French war.
he was present ut he storming of Quebec.
In 1868 St. Clair was made Commandnnt ut
Fort Ligonicr, in Pennsylvania, where he set
tied and received one thousand acres OF land.
He became attached TO the colonies, and when
he war with Great Britain broke out, he was
given command of n regiment of Continental
troops. He rose TO the rank OF Major Gen
eral. When Ticonderoga was captured by Bur-
goyne st. Clair was in command OF the fort,
and he was charged with cowardice and inca
pacity, but was completely exoncrated by u
court-martial.
In l7S5 he was elected member OF the Cont.
mental Congress, and was afterwards chosen
President OF that body. ST. Clair was appointed
Governor OF the Northwest Territory in 1887
and In the winter OF 1890 he moved with all his
family 10 Marietta. His family consisted OF u
son and three daughters The son, Arthur st.
Clair, tr. became lawyer, and lived in Cincin
natl. Louisa, the eldest daughter, was dash
ng girl OF eighteen, and there has been u great
deal written and told about her.
She was q beautiful girl, OF 1.-the, fine figure,
and attractive features. She had good deal OF
physical and mental courage and was madly
fond OF stirring adventure. She was splendid
rider, and always chose mettlesome. spirited
horse, which she could urge at tremendous
speed through the trackless woods.
1FuultlOn HluHeS OF u fHOuefn DluHu, one
could shoot with rifle better than most men,
and was devoted 10 hunting. She excellod in
Skating and all athletic sports in which she
could engage, hut at the same time her mind
was not neglected She read much and with
care, and had been educated in the city OF Phila.
dclphia at great expense.
There is an entertaining legend that smacks
OF romance and connects Louisa st. Clair with
an Indian lover. II seems that shortly aftorher
arrival in Ohio the Indian wars broke out, and
there was not much that seemed hopeful In
the outlook for the settlers. Finally treaty
was proposed, and the place named for its dis
cussion was Fort Harmar, opposite Mnrici':
but the Indians declined at the last momen' 20
come SO far down the river. They encampcd at
Duncan's Falls, below Zanesyille and informed
Governor St. Clair by means OF u messenger
that they would hold the conference there or
not at all. The Governor suspected that they
wanted 10 get him TO the falls for the purpose
of killing him or nbducting him, and he sent
back the Indian messenger To the Indian King
Brandt that he would deliberate over the mat.
ter and inform him of his conclusions within
few days. So trusted scout was sent with
letter TO Brandt, and given orders 10 make
himself acquainted with the position and mum
hers OF the Indians.
Twenty miles above Marietta Ker saw hoof
prints, and following them for a while he heard
the merry laugh OF u woman, and soon WAS
struck dumb with amazement By seeing Louisa
st. Clair. mounted on her pony and alone, within
few miles OF the hostile Indians. She WAS
dressed In the Indian style and had rifle slung
over her shoulder She cody informed Ker thnt
she was going 20 Duncan's Falls TO see Biend'.
Remonstrance on his part was vain. She dc.
clined 10 return 10 the fort OF Marietta, and he
could not deter her from going forward. That
night they camped out after making a supper
from dried venison, supply OF which he always
carried The pony was tied 10 O tree and Louisa
st. Clair sat against one and slept, while the
ranger kent guard. The next morning they con.
iinued their journey, and toward evening came
near 10 ;he camp OF the Indians. She took ber
fathers letter from the scout and dashed for
ward on her pony. In few minutes she was q
prisoner In the hands OF the Indians. She asked
for Brandt, who soon appeared In his warrior
dress. She looked at him with much ooolness
and. extending her hand. said;
eve have met before"
"Wheref tsid the Indian.